To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=11018
15 messages

Song circle vs threads

18 May 99 - 01:49 PM (#79512)
Subject: Threads vs in person conversation
From: Margo

I had been pondering the Thread phenomenon here at the Mudcat. I feel so comfortable about stating my point of view. But I wonder if we all got together in the same room and began discussing our pet topics, how many shouting matches would we have?

I have decided that it is a blessing for someone like me who gets emotional about things to have conversation without dagger looks, sharp tone of voice, and snappy retorts. Even though it is evident that we do "snap back" and later apologise, its not the same as when you're face to face.

Then lo and behold I heard a news story this morning stating that business conferences do very well online with a live chat situation. The story pointed out that the lack of intimidation by more eloquent speakers allows each person to set forth ideas more readily. Vedy eenterestink!

Margarita


18 May 99 - 01:52 PM (#79515)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: puzzled

in a song circle when people start talking and especially when they start agruing. i start playing and singing. I'd rather harmonize. good point about chatting on line. I can see that it would be much more open and much less threatening to meeker persons.


18 May 99 - 01:55 PM (#79516)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Margo

Boy do I feel dumb. I forgot to mention about song circle. Of course, at song circle we're there to sing, and we do. But I notice the same sorts of conversations starting that we have here in the threads: You know, the non-musical BS. But, since we know our time is limited we tend to police ourselves and get back to the music. But here we can go on and on.

BTW, I enjoy seeing Mudjack at song circle. He plays guitar and sings wonderfully.

Margarita


18 May 99 - 02:01 PM (#79519)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Charlie Baum

In the past couple of months, we've had occasions to meet various out-of-town Mudcatters who've come to the Washington, D.C. area and have popped up at singing occasions--a song circle following Rick Fielding's concert, and a weekend in the woods at Prince William Forest National Park. Each time, we asked ourselves, "shall we talk or shall we sing?" And we always figured we could chat here on Mudcat, but being able to sing and play and harmonize was something we could only do live and in person. So we sang while we were together in person, and saved the chatter for here.

--Charlie Baum


18 May 99 - 02:59 PM (#79558)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Bert

Margarita,

I know what you mean, but I find it a double edged sword. While I like the ability to take the time to think up an answer I also find a certain lack of ability to express ones self clearly (I can't wave my hands about) or to read other's expressions.

Charlie,
How can you tell the Mudcateers at a song circle?

They are the ones standing around talking about threads instead of singing:-)

Bert.


18 May 99 - 04:13 PM (#79578)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: katlaughing

haha, that's a good one, Bert!


18 May 99 - 05:43 PM (#79603)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Rick Fielding

GREAT POINT Margarita! We're probably better off discussing these things here. I for one am totally and completely intimidated by people who shout and yell to make their point. And the ones who bang their fists on tables? It just completely disrupts my thought process - I can't form ideas or responses, so I just say absolutely nothing - and then I'd leave. I'm envious of folks who can go toe to toe in an emotional debate while still making logical points - but I need to filter things both ways to make any sense at all.


18 May 99 - 07:24 PM (#79642)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Mudjack

At the beginning of a song circle, we indulged in a bit of Mudcat ID time when Margarita mentioned Mudcat. And Bert,your right, we briefly talked about threads and how great the MCat site is. We also seem special since we belong to a great little club. I just hope others at the song circle don't think we are snobish and will join in.Of course it requires a bit of time in front of the computer. I spent more time here than I really should.I have some serious practicing to do to get ready for the festival season.
Mudjack


18 May 99 - 09:04 PM (#79660)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: puzzled

Mudjack, Isn't that the truth. Every time i sit and read the threads at mudcat the thought passes through my head that i really should be practicing. In fact, i was just sitting down to play some tunes i need to work on just now when i thought i would look at mudcat one more time first.
these darn threads are addicting. thank goodness.


19 May 99 - 09:23 AM (#79788)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: hank

Maybe next time I'm at one I'll bring some tatting or cross stitch to keep my hands busy when it isn't my turn and my insterment wouldn't fit the mood. Or would I get distracted by toher people who didn't think to brings theirs with and now want to talk about sewing all night?


19 May 99 - 09:53 AM (#79793)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Allan C.

I enjoy discussions on the threads because of the lack of necessity for immediate response. I need to mull over a point for awhile before I comment. And then, I like the opportunity to mull over the comment before I actually submit it. You just can't do that effectively in normal conversation.

It is just one more reason why I try to avoid arguments. I can never think of what to say until much too late. Clever repartee is not something I am normally capable of in the immediacy of the moment. So I often back away without comment and am misconstrued as having either nothing to say or that I actually agree with what has been said. Quite frustrating, actually.

Here, I can quietly lurk around and privately decide whether to comment and what to say. And if I don't comment, usually no one is aware. I like that.

As to song circles, I have never been in one. I would LOVE the opportunity! But there doesn't seem to be one around these parts. Being a university town, many of the "folkies" are somewhat transient. I rarely get to know many of them. I envy those who have regular Thursday-night sessions, etc. You learn so very much from one another.


19 May 99 - 10:12 AM (#79798)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: WyoWoman

Some of the best friends I have I met through song circles. And when I moved to this new place, I put an ad in the paper and ran it for two weeks, asking if anyone else out there was interested in getting together on a regular basis and doing music. I had about 10 people on my first night and now some of those folks are my NEW best friends. If there ain't one and you want one, start one. That's my counsel.

kc


19 May 99 - 04:05 PM (#79888)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Mudjack

For Allan C,
KC is right on the point. A College town could be your best asset for gathering a wide variety of contributors of songs.Do it, post some flyers and give it a go.
Mudjack


19 May 99 - 05:50 PM (#79913)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: Allan C.

KC and Mudjack, yeah it seems like the only logical solution. I guess this means I'm going to have to clean up that hovel I call home so I can invite these people over, huh? What better motivation?! Thanks y'all.


20 May 99 - 01:49 AM (#80009)
Subject: RE: Song circle vs threads
From: WyoWoman

Or find neutral ground -- but someplace cozy. No florescent light (I can't even spell it, much less stand to sit under it and sing...) kc